Vaclav (Jim) Alois Netardus of Shiner, TX, entered into eternal rest on March 24, 2024, at the age of 88.  He was born at home on November 8, 1935, in Wied, Texas, to James & Mary (Nevlud) Netardus.  He was raised on his family farm in Wied and attended Wied School.  He then attended and graduated from Saint Ludmila's Academy Catholic School in Shiner, TX in 1954.  Shortly after graduation, he joined the United States Army, where he proudly served our country for 2 years while stationed in several states, achieved the rank of Specialist 4th Class, and was honorably discharged.  He enjoyed driving the big Army trucks which ultimately led to experience for future jobs in his civilian life.  On May 28, 1960, he married the love of his life, Victoria (Vickie) Berckenhoff at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Moulton, Texas.

Vaclav and Victoria lived their married life in several towns before settling down in Rosenberg for 31 years.  He was a "people person" who spent most of his career working as a successful route salesman selling various products.  He spent over 20 years of his career working for a beer distributor in Rosenberg, ultimately achieving the role of supervisor.  He was fondly called "The Beer Man" by many.  He later worked for Lamar Consolidated Independent School District in Rosenberg as a custodial supervisor, ensuring his assigned school was always sparkling clean and well maintained.  He and Victoria retired in 2001, at which time they moved to Wied, back to his family's homestead.  They built a lovely home on a hilltop and have enjoyed every moment of their retirement. They also enjoyed attending many dances, as well as several out-of-state trips and many gatherings with their family and friends.

Vaclav was extremely proud of his Czech heritage and had many fond memories of the trip of a lifetime which he and Victoria took to the Czech Republic.  He enjoyed listening to, singing along with and dancing to polka music, and he seized every opportunity to speak Czech with anyone who knew the language.

Vaclav also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, gardening, tending to his cattle, driving his tractor and Mule, and making his famous barbeque ribs ("ribsies"), brisket or chicken.  He had a very outgoing personality, a sharp mathematical mind and a unique laugh which could be heard throughout any room.  He was often labeled as the "mayor" of Wied due to his inquisitive nature, keen awareness of the local happenings, and his pride in the small community.

Vaclav was a member of Saints Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Shiner, KJT, Knights of Columbus, the Polka Lovers Klub of America (PoLKA) and the Swiss Alps Dance Club.  He was also an honorary member of American Legion Post 571.  He was active in his parish, serving as an usher for many years, was a member of his parish's St. Cecilia's Czech Choir and helped in several ways with his parish's annual picnics.

Vaclav is survived by:  his wife of 63 years, Victoria of Wied; daughter Carol & husband George Holub, Jr.; son Kenneth & wife Kimberly (Filip), all of Needville; grandsons, Kenneth Netardus Jr., Jason Holub (wife Anna), Joshua Netardus (wife Amy), Jonathan Holub (wife Caitlyn), and Justin Holub (wife Karlisle); great-grandchildren, Londyn Netardus, Hudson Holub, Harper Holub, Hollyn Holub, Maddyn Netardus, Connor Holub, Vivian Netardus, Jasper Netardus and James Holub; sister Mary (Netardus) Pustka; sisters-in-law, Angie Netardus and Jeanette Netardus; and numerous nieces & nephews.

Vaclav was preceded in death by:  his parents James & Mary Netardus; brothers, infant Frank, Benedict and Charles; and brother-in-law Victor Pustka.

Funeral Mass Service: 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at Saints Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in Shiner. Visitation: 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., Monday, April 1 at Kubena Funeral Home with Rosary starting at 7:00 p.m. Pallbearers: Kenneth Netardus Jr., Jason Holub, Joshua Netardus, Jonathan Holub, Justin Holub and Mark Netardus. Officiates: Rev. Bryan Heyer & Rev. Greg Nevlud. Burial: St. Ludmilla's Catholic Cemetery in Wied. Memorials (in lieu of flowers): Saints Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church Building Fund, Shiner, Texas.